Gintawan, Sittie Raizaril A.

4-BSABE-B
ABE 423 - Design and Management of AB Processing Systems Engineering
MATERIALS FLOW
1. Read Food Plant Design and Food Processing Layout and Design (page 44 - plant lay-
out) and discussed the following materials flow pattern:

a. Straight-through or I-flow

It is the simplest form of flow. The material enters at one

end (x) and leaves at another end (y). It has separate
receiving and shipping area.

b. "U" shaped or flow

In this flow, raw materials and finished goods exit is on

the same side. It allows both receiving and dispatching of
goods to be done on one side. Compared to I or L flow,
supervision is simpler.

c. "L" shaped or flow

It is used when straight line flow chart is to be

accommodated.

d. "S" shaped or flow

It is adopted if the production line is so long that

zigzagging on the plant floor is required. This type
provides efficient utilization of space and is compact
enough to allow effective supervision.
e. "O" shaped or flow

It is used in when it is desired to terminate the flow near

where it is originated. Different work stations are located
along the circular path. The components are moved from
one working station to the other and when they leave the O-
line, a complete set of processes or operations have been
performed. The components are inspected before they are
moved on to a second line for an additional series of
processes or operations or to an assembly line. Raw
material enters at x and finished goods come out from y.

2. Cite best example to which each materials flow process can be used.
a. Straight-through or I-flow
It is preferred in buildings having long lengths and smaller widths. This type is
economical in space and convenient in I-shaped buildings. I-Flow is also ideal for building
automobile industries.
b. "U" shaped or flow
It is preferred in square shape buildings. This flow is adopted in the manufacture
of electric motor industry. It also applicable in warehouses.
c. "L" shaped or flow
It is used in wider but less long buildings as compared to I flow type buildings.
d. "S" shaped or flow
It is preferred for longer production lines than U flow type and in square shape
buildings.
e. "O" shaped or flow
This type is used where processes or operations are performed on a rotary table
or a rotary handling system. It is adopted by industries manufacturing electric bulbs.